Ampera unveils 3D-printed modular thorium nuclear reactor for distributed AI data center power generation.

Ampera, a nuclear tech startup, has unveiled its first full-scale, 3D-printed nuclear reactor module designed to power AI data centers. The company describes this module as the "world's first subcritical, solid-state, factory-built thorium nuclear reactor." It forms the core of Ampera's Integrated Energy Architecture, which includes a Waste Heat Recovery module that can be paired with either the 3D-printed nuclear reactor or a Conventional-Fueled Power Generation module.

"This next-generation nuclear core and pressure vessel sets the foundation for factory-built, mass-produced nuclear energy," said Ampera CEO and founder Brian Matthews. "The advanced technology and additive manufacturing used demonstrate a clear commercial path for new nuclear technology coming to market in an accelerated manner."

The reactor's design reflects several technical advantages. Subcritical operation means the fuel does not reach criticality on its own, requiring an external neutron source to initiate fission—a safety feature that reduces the risk of runaway reactions and potential meltdown. The solid-state core contains no moving parts, simplifying maintenance and operation. Factory-built manufacturing enables rapid, scalable production on a standard production line, reducing costs and enabling transport via shipping containers. Thorium, the primary fuel, is more abundant than uranium and cheaper to source. While not inherently fissile, thorium requires an external neutron source to produce protactinium-233, which decays into uranium-233. Though thorium could theoretically be used for weapons development, the World Nuclear Association notes it "is sometimes promoted as having excellent non-proliferation credentials."

Unlike Ampera's static unveiling, competitor Valar Atomics recently activated its Ward 250 nuclear microreactor on stage, demonstrating electricity generation to power an Nvidia RTX Spark desktop. Valar's CEO, Isiah Taylor, announced a partnership with Nvidia to power a 30MW data center using its technology.

Ampera targets 30MWe output from its complete system, utilizing a proprietary closed-loop, supercritical CO₂ Brayton-cycle turbine. The modular design allows customers to purchase components as needed—pairing the turbine with the Waste Heat Recovery module to supplement data center power, or combining it with a Conventional-Fueled Power Generation unit as a primary power source. Once available, operators can swap in the nuclear module later to reduce their carbon footprint.

While Ampera has not provided a deployment timeline, the company projects near-term commercial readiness. "Our reactors are built for the markets that need power the most: AI data centers, defense, industrial and maritime," Matthews said. "We expect to be the first company to industrialize factory-built nuclear power with near-term deployment timelines."